Tipping a Sacred Cow

Liberty and Grace Blog ^ | February 14 | Dave Nelson

[PeaRidge]

According to the information I have seen (Coast Guard records), the Nashville was accosted on the evening of the 11th. Fox says she then anchored with the Baltic and Pawnee and waited for the outcome of the operation.

So, the painting should show the firing on the Nashville in the dark, with storm waves.

As you look over to the left, the firing on Ft. Sumter is depicted, but according to the Coast Guard records, this had not yet begun.

As the cannon fire erupted on the Harriet Lane, the Captain had declared that it was initiated due to the fact that the Nashville was not displaying her colors. So the flag at the stern was not flying.

You could also say that the interception occurred further offshore than is shown.

Finally, I think you are very much right about the flag configuration.

[rustbucket]

Here is a link to firing on the ice schooner apparently by the Pawnee. I've also seen on other sites where the ice schooner tried to get away. Several shots were necessary to stop her.

Link

The link is correct in calling the seizure piracy. That reminds me of when Anderson's troops fought with a schooner captain and seized the vessel to take them to Sumter back when they originally occupied it in late December, 1860. Pirates. Maybe Johnny Depp could play Anderson.

For all I know the Union ships fired on other merchant ships to stop them as well. Perhaps one such incident is what the April 12th Official Records report I mentioned above was about.

If you have the painting in question, maybe you can see Fort Sumter. I'll take your word for it. Maybe I need some new glasses. Thanks for your posts.